Despite what was described as a volatile trade year due to federal policies and tariffs, Port of Los Angeles officials Tuesday said the facility processed nearly 850,000 twenty-foot equivalent units in October, totaling almost 9 million TEUs so far in 2025, a 2% increase compared to 2024.
“With six weeks to go, we are within reach of the 10 million container unit-mark for the year,” Port Executive Director Gene Seroka said during a monthly media briefing.
“If we reach that milestone, it would be the third time in our history, and something no other Western Hemisphere port has achieved even once. That kind of performance is powered by the skill and dedication of our waterfront workforce along with the terminal operators who keep this port running safely and efficiently every day,” Seroka added.
In October, cargo volume stood at 848,431 TEUs, which Seroka described as a “solid performance.”
Of that figure, loaded imports came in at 429,283 TEUs, representing a 7% decline compared to October 2024. Loaded exports stood at 123,768 TEUs, an increase of more than 1%, and the port sent back 295,380 TEUs of empty containers, a decline of 8%.
Seroka said he anticipates cargo volume to soften in the remaining two months of 2025 compared to 2024 as shippers brought in cargo ahead of schedule as a hedge against tariffs.
For the time being, retail and manufacturing inventories are well-stocked, Seroka reported, so there’s less need for replenishment.
Jennifer Barrera, president and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce, joined Seroka for Tuesday’s briefing. She discussed the impact of tariffs, the state’s business climate and regulatory reform efforts.